“As soon as I looked at Charlie I knew something wasn’t right. He was grey and limp and not breathing. That’s when panic set in.”

Charlie was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, where it was discovered he had blood on the brain.

Doctors told Joanne he must have suffered some kind of trauma – equivalent to that of a high speed car accident.

He was transferred to the intensive care unit at Leeds General Infirmary.

For the next five days he was kept on a ventilator while child protection police officers questioned Joanne and her then partner.

When he was allowed home, he was not allowed to live with Joanne for four months while officers investigated.

It took almost two years for Sykes to admit he shook Charlie, causing his horrendous injuries.

Joanne later discovered Sykes had previously been convicted and received a suspended sentence for injuries he had caused to his daughter – from a previous relationship – when she was just eight weeks old.

Charlie now attends Castle Hill School at Newsome – for children with severe and profound learning disabilities.

Joanne added: “I cannot speak highly enough of the school. They have all been amazing.”

Charlie’s story has now inspired the NSPCC to launch a DVD aimed at raising awareness about shaken baby syndrome.

It is currently being piloted in several maternity units across the UK to inform new parents about the dangers of shaking babies.

Joanne said: “If I can help by making one person just think about what they are doing before it’s too late, then it will be a good thing.”